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Padres waiting on more matchups vs. lefties

CLEVELAND -- One of the reasons the Padres kept veteran outfielder Xavier Nady on the roster was because he could offer them good at-bats off the bench -- or even a spot start -- against left-handed pitching.

The only problem is the Padres just haven't seen that much left-handed pitching early in the season.

In fact, entering Tuesday's game against the Indians, the Padres have had only 50 at-bats this season against left-handed pitchers. That ranks 21st out of 30 Major League teams.

The only left-handed starting pitcher the team has faced this season was Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Dodgers, but that came back on Opening Day at Petco Park on March 30.

Nady is hitless in five at-bats this season with two strikeouts. Only Rene Rivera has fewer at-bats this season (four) than Nady.

"We're talking about it," Padres manager Bud Black said of getting Nady in the lineup more.

The Indians will utilize two right-handed pitchers in Wednesday's doubleheader. The Tigers, who will open a three-game series at Petco Park on Friday, will go with three righties, including two former Cy Young Award winners, Justin Verlander (2011) and Max Scherzer (2013).

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter.
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